Greetings on the opening of the Primakov Readings International Forum

The message reads, in part:

"The ideas and forecasts of Yevgeny Primakov, an outstanding statesman, diplomat and thinker, were always based on a deep and systematic analysis of objective facts and processes, and on balanced and unbiased assessments. It is notable that similar approaches have invariably been used by the followers of his scientific school at the National Research Institute of World Economy and International Relations of the Russian Academy of Sciences (IMEMO), which Yevgeny Primakov headed for a long time. This respected Russian research centre recently marked its 70^th anniversary, and the Primakov Readings are dedicated to this milestone.

The theme of the forum - World Without Rules: Power Game? - accurately describes the alarming trends that have evolved in international relations. As we know, the West is promoting "a rules-based world order." However, it was obvious that this idea disguised openly neo-colonialist ambitions, a disregard for the sovereignty of independent states, and a striving to interfere in their internal affairs and force them to change their foreign policy priorities.

Like many other countries, Russia categorically rejects such "rules." We stand for a different, truly democratic foundation of the world order, namely, the universally recognised norms of international law, the indisputable authority of the UN Security Council, mutual respect and equality of all countries and their right to freely choose their development paths.

In other words, taking into consideration the complicated and turbulent international situation, the forum participants - scholars, experts, diplomats, and journalists from many countries - have a great deal to consider, discuss and debate. I am confident that your discussions will be interesting and substantial and will help in the search for solutions to difficult problems facing the international community."